Obama pays tribute to 9/11 victims, survivors

Sep. 11, 2013
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A 9/11 moment of silence / Charles Dharapak, AP

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

President Obama paid tribute Wednesday to the memory of those who lost their lives a dozen years ago on 9/11 and praised the survivors who have carried on in their name.

"Our hearts still ache for the futures snatched away, the lives that might have been." Obama said during a 9/11 memorial ceremony at the Pentagon.

Obama also marked the solemn day by leading a moment of silence at the White House and visiting volunteers at a food bank in Washington, D.C.

In his speech at the Pentagon, Obama praised military and diplomatic personnel who have made sacrifices over the past dozen years -- and he singled out the four Americans who lost their lives a year ago during an attack on a U.S. facility in Benghazi, Libya.

Said Obama: "We pray for all those who have stepped forward in those years of war -- diplomats who serve in dangerous posts, as we saw this day last year in Benghazi, intelligence professionals, often unseen and unheralded who protect us in every way; our men and women in uniform who defend this country that we love."

The Obama administration continues to take criticism from Republicans and others for its handling of the Benghazi attack.

The 9/11 anniversary also came in the midst of a diplomatic crisis over Syria.

All Americans who resumed their lives after the horrors of 9/11 -- especially those who lost loved ones -- deserve credit for helping rebuild the nation, Obama said.

"Let us have the courage like the survivors and families here today to carry on, no matter how dark the night or how difficult the day," Obama said.

The president's remarks at the Pentagon came shortly after he led a brief ceremony at the White House, where flags flew at half-staff to honor the dead.

Bells tolled and a military bugler played taps as the president and first lady Michelle Obama, joined by members of the White House staff, stood silent on the South Lawn.

The moment of silence began at 8:46 a.m. ET, the time at which the first hijacked plane hit the World Trade Center building in New York City.

Vice President Biden and wife Jill also participated in the South Lawn ceremony.

Later in the day, Obama visited the Washington headquarters of Food & Friends, which provides meals to people with serious illnesses.

The visit was part of the the annual National Day of Service and Remembrance for 9/11 victims.

"Every 9/11, obviously, we remember those we lost," Obama said as he helped pack meals. "We also remember the incredible outpouring of neighbors helping neighbors. I want to make sure we encourage everyone out there to volunteer in their own communities."

The president attended 9/11 memorials a day after giving a major speech on Syria.

In a White House address Tuesday night, Obama said he will pursue a diplomatic proposal offered by Russia, but reserved the right to take military action over chemical weapons in Syria.

During the Pentagon ceremony, Obama said: "Let us have the strength to face the threats that endure, different though they may be from 12 years ago, so that as long as there are those who would strike our citizens, we will stand vigilant and defend our nation."